Welcome to our “Day in the Life” series! We feature wedding and event planners from around the world with many different levels of experience. If you would like to be featured, download our questionnaire here and email your responses and photos to info@plannerslounge.com. We are excited to feature Dalia Atisha of The Event Planner, Inc in Oakland County, Michigan.

Name: Dalia Atisha

Business Name & Location: The Event Planner, Inc. (Oakland County Area in Michigan) 

Years Working in the Event Industry: Over 20 years

Years Owning Your Event Planning Business: Over 20 years. I started my business in 2000.

Website: https://theeplanner.com

Business Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/theeventplannerinc/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theeventplannerinc/

What is your typical day like?

In the summer: 

I typically begin my day before 7AM get into my workout gear, check my emails and see if  there is anything urgent that will be added to my task list of work to be done for the day, I’ll  do some work around the house, go to daily mass, begin my work out around 8:30AM and get ready for my day. I’m ready to work by 10AM and I typically schedule my calls or site  visits between 11-2PM. I try to do some fun summer things during the day with my children  and then get started on planning work after 5PM (unless I have wedding rehearsals  scheduled during the week) I do at times work after 8PM where I can focus with no interruptions. Of course, weekends are filled with coordinating and setting up for social events and  weddings. 

In the fall/winter: 

The fall/winter schedule has a similar morning schedule like my summer: I begin my day  before 7 AM get into my workout gear, check my emails, and see if there is anything urgent that will be added to my task list of work to be done for the day, make lunch for kids and  take my son to school. I’ll do some work around the house, go to daily mass, begin my  workout around 9AM and get ready for my day. I’m ready to work by 10:30/11AM and I  typically schedule my calls or site visits between 11-2PM. 

I’ll do school pick up at 3 PM (I’ll take some quick calls during my drive) or planning work after  6 PM (unless I have wedding rehearsals scheduled during the week) I do at times work after 8PM where I can focus with no interruptions. 

How did you get started in the industry?

My interest began as early as when I was about 10 years old and loved looking at wedding magazines. I attended a number of weddings at a young age as well as being a part of the bridal party of a few (I have 20 aunts and uncles and about 35 first cousins) so we always have something to celebrate. 

My father was an editor of a community newspaper so I began to work with him when I was 13 years old. As I got older I started attending his business network meetings and soon I started to help plan some of his  events. When I was in high school I also did an internship for a Business Chamber. When I started college I was  still working for the Chamber and assisted planning small business community events. During my studies I  decided to go to school for interior design as that was my first passion soon after getting my degree in Interior Design and Business Management (while I was planning a wedding and going to school I discovered that I  really loved wedding planning). 

My local church parish priest (who is also a friend) made me the wedding coordinator at our church where I  would handle wedding rehearsals and ceremonies. From there, I began my wedding planning business and here I am over 20 years later…. 

What inspires you?

Everything inspires me…family, shopping, reading, Homegoods, Arhaus, Starbucks, I absolutely love the Food  Network and HGTV, and now Magnolia Network—I checked something off my bucket list when I went to  WACO, TEXAS to see everything Magnolia…I love Joanna and Chip Gaines, I love their story it’s beyond inspiring.

What are your favorite online resources for your business?

I love listening to podcasts such as Alan Berg’s, The Knot Pro webinars, and editorials. In addition, I do enjoy reading the Planners Lounge newsletter it’s always inspiring and it reminds me that I am not alone and everyone has similar nuances and rewards in this industry.

Aside from wedding and event planning, how do you spend your time?

 My favorite hobby is watching Food Network and HGTV when I am able to watch TV. I love reading Matthew Kelly books and listening to Bible in a Year in my free time. 

I do enjoy spending time with family and taking vacations to places I haven’t been. Florida is one of my go to places and we do have a lot of family in California that we love to visit.

Dalia, thank you so much for taking the time to share your story and a day in your life. If you are an event planner and would like to be featured, download our questionnaire today and email it to us along with a photo. If you aren’t sure about being featured, take a few minutes to read how it can help your business.